Things to do in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhondda Cynon Taf is a quartet of history and nature packed valleys. These consist - just like it says on the tin! - of the Rhondda, Cynon and Taff Valleys, and also include the Ely Valley in RCT's southwest, near Caerdydd (Cardiff). RCT's rich variety of things to do include the Royal Mint Experience, the only place where UK coins are made, the most famous distillery in Wales (Penderyn Distillery), a heart-pumping adventure park at (Zipworld Tower), and many fascinating museums offering glimpses back into the past. Together the attractions constitute some of the don't miss things to do in the South Wales Valleys.

See money appear before your eyes at the Royal Mint Experience. This fascinating museum near Llantrisant in the Ely Valley is the home of the Royal Mint where all the UK's coins are made - along with those of places as far afield as Jamaica, Tanzania and Thailand! You can follow the journey of a coin from a blank to a bank in the Guided Factory Experience. You'll also be able to strike your own legal tender, see rare coins and look at examples of the medals cast for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

After you've visited, be sure to pop in to the Grade II-listed Llantrisant Guildhall in Llantrisant. It is full of interesting exhibits about this historic hilltop town. Included among the rare treasures are a 17th century silver mace, which pre-dates the English Civil War. Children will love the interactive displays, dressing up outfits and competitions. They can even have a go at archery.

Read more: Wonderfully quirky places to visit.

Located in an old chapel in Pontypridd which dates back to 1861, Pontypridd Museum is a feast of bizarre finds that show off the town's rich history. Among them are personal belongings of Evan and James James - the father and son who composed the Welsh National anthem. The chapel's mighty pipe-organ still dominates the space, towering over the rest of the museum. Pontypridd is the gateway town for the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys, and it's easy to explore from here further up either valley.

You'll get a brilliant understanding of what it was like to work in dark and dangerous conditions deep underground at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum in the Rhondda Valley, with a guide who actually worked in the mine. You can put on a hard hat and explore a dark mine tunnel, the engine houses and the original lamp room. The virtual ride on the last coal truck to the surface will have you clinging to your seat! Stop by the on-site café for lunch or coffee.

Read more: Exploring the underground secrets of Wales
 

Nantgarw China Works is where William Billingsley came up with a secret combination of minerals that led to the creation of the world's finest porcelain - a super-white, highly durable china that could be decorated in myriad colourful ways. Along with a fascinating museum packed with intricate cups, saucers, and more, there are ceramic workshops and art displays. Pop into the cosy tearoom for a cuppa and cake too.

The best known and largest producer of single malt whiskies in Wales, Penderyn is drunk in over 40 countries. It was the first whisky distillery to be founded in Wales since the 19th century when it opened in 2000. The distillery is located close to the pristine waters found in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park - a key ingredient to the magical spirits they produce here, along with the specially-designed single copper pot still that ensures flavourful whiskies. The hour-long Penderyn Distillery Experience includes a distillery tour and for those old enough, there's a sample session at the end.

Read more: Making Welsh whisky at Penderyn distillery.

Cynon Valley Museum is a free volunteer-run local history museum and gallery, tucked away in Aberdâr (Aberdare), the cultural epicentre of the Cynon Valley. You can learn the fascinating histories of the people that lived and worked here in times gone by. Two gallery spaces feature works by local painters and creators. There's a museum shop and the café, Marty's at the Museum, sells tasty cakes, lunches, and coffee.

At the top of the Cynon and Rhondda Valleys is Rhigos Mountain. At Zipworld Tower you can ride Phoenix, the world's fastest seated zipline from the top of Rhigos mountain - taking in the immense views across the Rhondda and Cynon Valley landscapes. The Tower Coaster will make you giddy as it zooms downhill and there's a mini zip adventure for younger adventurers too. The onsite café offers more amazing views, as well as great food and drink. Rhigos Mountain is a popular cycling destination and a scheduled climb for Stage Three of the 2027 Tour de France, the first stage ever to be held all in Wales.

Discover more: Chris Knight, author of award-winning blog Oh What A Knight, takes on the giddy adrenaline rushes of Zip World Tower and Pen Pych Mountain

RCT has lots of green spaces - whether you want to relax in the sun, tramp across hillsides or pedal through forests.

Besides following the TdF route over Rhigos Mountain and Aberdâr (Aberdare) on through RCT, there are is a memorable mix of other routes for cyclists. The Cynon Trail, for example, follows the river Cynon from Hirwaun to Abercynon - a nice combination of friendly villages and wood-fringed trails of around 11 miles (19km).

Then there is the long distance Taff Trail which runs through RCT, entering at Ffynnon Taf (Taffs Well) and cutting through Trefforest and Pontypridd along to Abercynon. Take on a small section, and loop back by bike or on the train. Alternatively, for a more lengthy ride, cycle all the way to Aberhonddu (Brecon) at one end, or Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) at the other!

Take your pick from tranquil urban parks like Pontypridd's Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, home to the National Lido of Wales and Ponty Lido along with tennis courts, walking trails and a café, There is also Bronwydd Park, a heavenly spot packed with trees, flowers, and wildlife in Porth, west of Pontypridd.

Head out of Pontypridd into Rhondda Valley a little to enjoy Barry Sidings in Porth, with its adventure playground and trails into the surrounding mountains, and Tonypandy's Cwm Clydach, with its lakes and waterfalls. Further afield there's Dare Valley Country Park near Aberdâr with over 200 acres of trails, an adventure playground, and lakes where you can hire canoes and kayaks. If you fancy staying the night, the park has it's own caravan site with 36 pitches for touring caravans, some with electric hook ups.

Read more: Outdoor adventure in the Valleys Regional Park

You can choose from short strolls for all the family to full-on hikes in RCT. For a good day walk try Penpych Mountain a spectacular 7 mile (9km) mountain walk with waterfalls, Iron Age stone circles, and vast views. For a fascinating insight into the area's local history try one of six videos, ideal for curious kids.

Want something more challenging? The Pontypridd circular is 12 miles packed with spectacular viewpoints. Or walk in the footsteps of saints of old on the Penrhys Pilgrimage Way. The whole route from Caerdydd to Penrhys in Rhondda is 21 miles, but it's been divided into six easy sections which take a couple of hours.

For more information visit the RCT tourism website.

Or get involved on social media:

• Like Visit RCT on Facebook
• Follow Visit RCT on X
• Follow Visit RCT on Instagram